How to Survive as the Academy’s Villain

Chapter 63

“…Thank you!”

Princess Francia, having completed her speech without any issues, looked around with a satisfied expression.

Clap clap clap!

The sound of applause filled the area, accompanied by cheers directed at her. Smiling brightly, she waved to the students for a while before stepping off the podium.

Click clack.

“You did a great job, Your Highness.”

“With such a reaction, the election is over.”

Everyone around her spoke with slightly flushed faces, but Princess Francia shook her head and replied.

“No, this is just the beginning. Don’t let your guard down and stay focused.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Understood.”

Returning to the waiting room set up for the candidates, Princess Francia began removing the cumbersome jewelry and outer garments she was wearing.

“Everyone, you worked hard. Now, take a break. Oh, and I’d like to be alone for a while if that’s okay?”

“Of course, Your Highness.”

“If you need anything, just call us. We’ll be waiting outside.”

Thud!

After the others left and the door closed, leaving her alone in the waiting room, Princess Francia let out a deep sigh and muttered to herself.

“Phew, this isn’t easy.”

Although she was used to receiving attention as a princess, actually standing in front of such a massive crowd and giving a speech was a different experience.

Plop!

“I’m tired.”

Taking advantage of the privacy, she collapsed onto the sofa in the waiting room. She could feel her dress crumpling, but she didn’t care.

‘It doesn’t matter right now.’

Even if several dresses were ruined, she needed this moment of mental relaxation.

[…That concludes my declaration of candidacy.]

Far away, a magical artifact was broadcasting the declaration ceremony happening outside.

“This is really boring.”

The reaction and atmosphere outside were nowhere near as lively as when she was on stage. There were no proper cheers, no significant reactions.

“…”

It felt as if the result of this student council election was already decided. The overwhelming disparity made the whole event feel pointless.

“I don’t even know if I should be happy about this.”

Even at the Imperial Academy, which gathered the brightest talents of the empire, the outcome was determined by her royal lineage.

It was somewhat disappointing. But at the same time…

“What was Kamon Vade thinking when he suggested that bet…? Well, it works for me.”

She chuckled, recalling Kamon Vade’s provocative challenge.

Just then.

[The last candidate is Cecilia Romanoff.]

As the host announced the final candidate, her only rival, Lady Cecilia, stepped onto the stage.

Click clack.

“Hmm?”

However, Princess Francia’s eyes were not on Lady Cecilia. Instead, they were fixed on a person behind her.

“Ha, so he really went over there?”

She chuckled again as she noticed Kamon Vade standing behind Cecilia, wearing a broad smile.

* * *

As the declaration ceremony continued, members of the various election teams mingled and chatted.

Not everyone was socializing; some were keeping to themselves, standing apart from the crowd.

“Hey, Chelsea?”

Kyle, who had just greeted someone, called out to a familiar girl with aqua-colored hair.

“Hi, Kyle.”

“Chelsea, are you part of the election team too?”

“Yes. The princess asked me to join.”

Chelsea Artin, the top freshman, was a valuable addition to any election team. Having no issues with the princess, she accepted the request to help as long as it didn’t interfere with her studies.

“Kyle, you too?”

“Yeah, the princess asked for my help, so I joined.”

Kyle nodded with a bright smile, and Chelsea simply nodded back, remaining silent.

She glanced around before speaking in a cold voice.

“Everything here seems done, so can I leave now?”

“Huh? Already? The other declarations aren’t finished yet…”

“Is there any point in watching? The princess is going to win anyway.”

“Well, that’s true, but still…”

“No, staying here any longer is a waste of time.”

Chelsea cut him off firmly and continued.

“I’d rather spend this time reading another book or training.”

She muttered to herself before her eyes lit up with an idea, and she looked at Kyle.

“Kyle, do you have some time?”

“Huh? Suddenly?”

“Yes. Want to spar with me?”

“What? Spar? I’d love to!”

Despite Chelsea’s sudden request, Kyle answered excitedly with sparkling eyes.

“But today, it might be a bit difficult until this declaration ceremony is over. I’m assigned to guard the princess…”

“I can wait.”

“Oh, really? Alright. Then just wait a little. The declaration ceremony is almost over anyway. Ah, here comes Lady Cecilia. She’s the last one!”

As Kyle’s words made Chelsea glance at the screen absentmindedly, she suddenly tilted her head.

“Ka…mon?”

As she muttered the familiar name, Kyle’s voice pierced her thoughts.

“Huh? It really is Kamon. So Kamon is on Lady Cecilia’s election team?”

* * *

“How was it, Kamon? Did I do well?”

Lady Cecilia, who had just come down from the podium, asked with a slightly flushed face. She seemed a bit tense or excited.

“You did well.”

“Ah, just ‘well’ isn’t enough. I wanted them to see my performance and regret leaving me!”

“……”

I looked at Lady Cecilia and couldn’t help but chuckle internally. She was likely referring to those who had abandoned her for Princess Francia.

But when I glanced to the side, those people weren’t even paying attention to Lady Cecilia. They were busy chatting among themselves.

‘This must be the frustration of the weak, the humiliation…’

It felt like she was shadowboxing alone while the other side felt no threat. I couldn’t help but laugh at their indifference.

“Huh? What’s so funny?”

“Nothing, just a thought.”

“What thought? Tell me.”

Lady Cecilia followed me persistently, demanding to know.

But I just shook my head with a smile.

“Ah, come on, tell me!”

“It’s nothing.”

I couldn’t help but think of the day when those who ignored us now would one day turn to look at us with twisted expressions.

‘How could I not laugh at that?’

How could I hold back laughter when imagining Princess Francia and her team’s dismayed faces?

Wait a minute.

This feels too much like a villain’s perspective…

Well, who cares.

Kamon Vade was originally a villain, so why not embrace it and become a proper antagonist?

“Kamon!”

“Let’s go in.”

“Ah, seriously. Tell me!”

* * *

Knock knock knock.

“Yes, come in.”

Princess Francia, who had been lying on the sofa, sat up and tidied her clothes as she answered.

Click!

“Your Highness, the organizers have requested that all candidates come up to the stage.”

“Alright. Tell them I’ll be out soon.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Thud!

After the student delivering the message left and the door closed, Princess Francia muttered to herself.

“So he really teamed up with Cecilia, that naïve girl? Ha, seriously…”

People had often referred to Lady Cecilia as her rival, but she had never thought of Cecilia that way.

Cecilia was never someone who could be compared to her.

‘She’s a stubborn fool with her head in the clouds.’

“For the first time, I’m actually interested in this.”

Up until now, the situation had been too one-sided to be interesting, but the fact that a fool and a piece of trash had teamed up was quite exciting news.

Knock knock, click.

Suddenly, the door opened, and Kyle, her assigned guard for the day, entered.

“Your Highness, I’ve come to escort you.”

“Ah, Kyle. Just a moment. I’m almost ready.”

Princess Francia quickly adjusted the crooked hologram artifact.

Watching her, Kyle looked around before speaking.

“Did you see earlier?”

“See what?”

“Kamon showed up in Lady Cecilia’s declaration ceremony. Didn’t you see him?”

“Yes, I saw him.”

“It would have been nice if he were on our side, a bit disappointing.”

“Is that so? I think it’s more fun this way.”

“Pardon?”

Princess Francia shook her head, still smiling.

“Never mind. Kyle, can you open the door? It’s time to go.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Click!

Stepping out of the waiting room, she addressed her waiting election team.

“Have you contacted the former student council presidents and the professors?”

“Yes? Ah, yes. We’ve already sent the letters. We haven’t received replies yet, but…”

“Send them again in my name. Let’s ensure everything is clear.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

After finishing her conversation with the election team members, Princess Francia walked quietly.

Click clack.

‘Kamon Vade.’

She recalled his name and face, smirking internally.

‘Fine, let’s see who wins this bet.’

The king of beasts, the lion, always puts its best effort into every hunt, and the end of that hunt is always the predator’s victory.

“Wow, it’s Princess Francia!”

“Princess Francia!”

Hearing the students cheer for her, Princess Francia smiled brightly and waved naturally in response.

______________

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